Our Take

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta receives an update for 2015, but the trim lineup remains the same with the base car, a GLI high-performance model, hybrid and TDI diesel.

ExteriorSubtle tweaks to the front and rear of the Jetta are hard to distinguish for the casual observer, but the company says that some of the work, especially up front, enhances aerodynamics.

Bi-xenon headlights are optional and have LED daytime running lamps. The grille and fog lights have also been updated. The back has been updated with an integrated spoiler that appears more like a design element than an actual spoiler. LED taillights are also optional.

Interior The gauge cluster on most trims is new with an optional color multifunction display. New trim colors and materials are also new depending on the trim, and there are also new fabric colors and seat designs.

Under The Hood There is a new diesel powertrain that replaces the outgoing TDI model's engine. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel produces 150 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. VW is estimating mileage from the TDI at 32/45/37 mpg city/highway/combined. The diesel also gets a radiator shutter that closes to allow for faster warm up and then opens and closes based on vehicle speed to improve aerodynamics.

The rest of the engine lineup carries over from 2014.

SafetyVolkswagen has also added new safety features for the 2015 Jetta; most are optional. Blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and front collision warning wi... Show full review

Vehicle Overview

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta receives an update for 2015, but the trim lineup remains the same with the base car, a GLI high-performance model, hybrid and TDI diesel.

ExteriorSubtle tweaks to the front and rear of the Jetta are hard to distinguish for the casual observer, but the company says that some of the work, especially up front, enhances aerodynamics.

Bi-xenon headlights are optional and have LED daytime running lamps. The grille and fog lights have also been updated. The back has been updated with an integrated spoiler that appears more like a design element than an actual spoiler. LED taillights are also optional.

Interior The gauge cluster on most trims is new with an optional color multifunction display. New trim colors and materials are also new depending on the trim, and there are also new fabric colors and seat designs.

Under The Hood There is a new diesel powertrain that replaces the outgoing TDI model's engine. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel produces 150 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. VW is estimating mileage from the TDI at 32/45/37 mpg city/highway/combined. The diesel also gets a radiator shutter that closes to allow for faster warm up and then opens and closes based on vehicle speed to improve aerodynamics.

The rest of the engine lineup carries over from 2014.

SafetyVolkswagen has also added new safety features for the 2015 Jetta; most are optional. Blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and front collision warning will all be offered for 2015.

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Jetta received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*

Third-row access

N/A

Infant seat

A

Booster

(second row)

A

Booster

(third row)

N/A

Latch or Latch system

A

Forward-facing convertible

(third row)

N/A

Forward-facing convertible

(second row)

A

Rear-facing convertible

A

* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.